Old Scores by Will Thomas
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

1890 London and the new Japanese ambassador has arrived with his entourage. One of their schedule visits is to the gardens of Cyrus Barker. Later that night when Ambassador Toda is kiled , Barker who was in the vicinity is the prime suspect. But the new ambassador, General Mononobe, employs them to find the murderer.
A stand-alone story, and an enjoyable mystery with political intrigue, a bit of romance, and where we also find out more about Barkers' history.
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Verdict of Twelve by Raymond Postgate
My rating: 2 of 5 stars

A jury of twelve who carry their own prejudices must bring in a verdict of a woman accused of murder.
It was just about interesting enough to finish reading to find the verdict, but not really any tension in the story.
Originally published in 1940.
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Smiley by Michael Ezell
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

Garrett Evans has moved back home to Artemis and has taken the job as Chief of Police. A quiet place until New York P.I. Chester LaSalle arrives looking for a missing girl. They start working together, and discover what might be a serial killer in their midst, who has been and still is murdering runaways.
Mentioning the suspect so soon in the book would have meant a lowering of the rating to a 3 star but I got so involved in what was happening that I added a star.
Well-written, a good paced story with some flawed characters.
A NetGalley Book

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Mary Bennet and the Bloomsbury Coven by Beth Deitchman
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

In this re-read of a Pride and Prejudice sequel Mary and Kitty remain unmarried, but with Kitty spending most of her time at Jane and Elizabeth's homes. Mary due to a gift from Wickham has developed a fondness for novels. Then one day she is accidentally sent a book on magic. Then her life is transformed and she sets out on an adventure of her own.
An enjoyable, entertaining well-written story.

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Murder for Christmas by Francis Duncan
My rating: 3 of 5 stars

Amateur criminologist Mordecai Tremaine has been invited to a country house Christmas party in Sherbbroome House by Benedict Grame. But at midnight Christmas Eve, a scream is heard, and as everyone rushed toward the noise they find the body of Father Christmas. With the help of the police Tremaine tries to find the guilty party.
An enjoyable and very readable Golden Age (written in 1949) mystery with the varied selection of guests. Probably more of a 3.5 star rating, as I look forward to hopefully reading more in this series if they are to be reprinted.
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Not an Heiress: A Pride and Prejudice Novella by Leenie Brown
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

Colonel Fitzwilliam needs an heiress to enter politics. Mary Bennet wants to marry a pason so that she can help the poor. Lady Catherine has her scheme to playout. Can it bring happiness to two of the people she cares about.
I am a great fan of secondary character stories, more so then the usual Darcy Elizabeth tales, so I was glad to find this a lovely and entertaining story which I look forward to reading again very soon.

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DEADLY LIES by Chris Collett
My rating: 3 of 5 stars

When journalist Eddie Barham is found dead in his home, DI Tom Mariner initially believes that it is suicide. But with the help of Constable Tony Knox he starts his investigation.
An enjoyable well-written story but I believe it would have been a better paced story without many of the descriptions about autism.
(First published in 2004 as A worm in the bud.)
Received an Advanced reader Copy

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When Mary Met the Colonel: A Pride and Prejudice Novella by Victoria Kincaid
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

A re-read for me -one of the few books that I have the kindle and the paperback copy of - In this Pride and Prejudice sequel, at the wedding of Darcy and Elizabeth, the Colonel escaping from the attentions of Kitty and Maria Lucas, rushes into the Longbourn garden. There he finds in a sheltered spot Mary Bennet. Has the Colonel finally found an intelligent lady, has Mary found some one who appreciates her.
Loved this tale. The only thing I didn't like was that it was much too short. For me the best of this author's stories.

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This Side of Murder by Anna Lee Huber
My rating: 3 of 5 stars

1919 and war widow Verity Kent is invited to an engagement party of Walter Ponsonby on Umbersea Island in Poole Harbour. Walter was the wartime friend of her husband Sidney, and she finally is convinced to accept, only to discover that most of the invitees are from the same regiment. But information comes to her notice that her husband may have committed treason, and so she sets out to try and prove him innocent.
A well-written entertaining mystery though sometimes there was too much description of Verity's clothing. But now that the characters have been established it will be interesting to see how they develop throughout the series.
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Driven to Death by Elleby Harper
My rating: 3 of 5 stars

NY police detective Bex Wynter, after the tragedy of her police husband being killed, joins the London police force at their newly established youth crimes unit. Her first investigation as lead DCI is to determine if 17 year old Bon Galliers accidentally killed his ex-girlfriend Clara Butterworth.
Can American Bex win over her British team or will they resent her.
A well-written, good solid start, with the right blend of characters to what might develop into a series
Received an Advanced Reader Copy

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The Earl Claims His Comfort by Regina Jeffers
My rating: 3 of 5 stars

In 1820 England, while Comfort Neville and the child Deirdre Kavanaugh await the arrival of the Earl of Remmington back to his home from abroad, he arrives within sight of his home only to be shot at and wounded. Soon it is discovered that there appears to be a man who wishes to replace Remmington as the rightful earl.
This enjoyable mystery with characters that I like can be read as a stand-alone story but I look forward to the third of the trilogy being published so that I can re-read all three books as one story.

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Unravelling Mr. Darcy: A Pride and Prejudice Novella by Leenie Brown
My rating: 3 of 5 stars

What if after the disaster that is the Hunsford prosposal Elizabeth calls Darcy back as he goes to leave. Can there be a quicker understanding or are Darcy's hopes raised too soon.
An enjoyable tale about the relationship of this couple.

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Friends and Enemies: A Pride and Prejudice Variation by J. Dawn King
My rating: 3 of 5 stars

At the Netherfield Ball when Mr. Fitzwilliam Darcy is confronted by Lydia Bennet of her opinion of him, of Meryton's opinion and more importantly Elizabeth's, plus receiving bad news from Pemberley, he leaves Meryton for town. Where his life is changed by the actions of the people he cares for and his enemies.
A really well-written good read which should really be a 3.5 rating.

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The Man in the Queue by Josephine Tey
My rating: 3 of 5 stars

While queuing to see a show in London, a man is found to have been stabbed. It is for Inspector Alan Grant to investigate..
This is the first book by Josephine Tey, and my first reading of one of her stories which took a few chapters to get passed some of the over-written passages. These did start to disappear as the story progressed. Original written in 1929 I look forward to reading the next Grant story.

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Love's Chance by Emily Murdoch
My rating: 3 of 5 stars

The series continues in 1841 with the story of Katherine Morrison and Thomas Bryant. Sister to Elizabeth, and brother to Jonathan from the first novella. (This can be read as a stand-alone story) Where we found out, mainly what had happened to Katherine since she disapppeared from her Grand-parents home.
Another sweet enjoyable story. A quick read.
I received an Advanced Reader Copy.

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The Devil's Band by Richard Anderton
My rating: 3 of 5 stars

These are the start of the adventures of Thomas Devilstone. Unmasked as a fradualent astrologer to Henry VIII, he hopes to make his way to the camp of Richard de la Pole, pretender to the English throne. What could possible go wrong.
An enjoyable romp.

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Death Comes To Kurland Hall by Catherine Lloyd
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

Another re-read before the next unread book in the series. It is now May 1917 and there is to be a wedding in Kurland St. Mary - Lucy Harrington's friend Sophia is remarrying. As the wedding takes place an accident happens or so it seems. With plenty of enemies to choose from, the tasks of finding the guilty party may be difficult for Lucy and the Major.
Love the characters in this series and an enjoyable mystery.

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Miss Georgiana Darcy of Pemberley: a Pride & Prejudice sequel and companion to The Darcys of Pemberley by Shannon Winslow
My rating: 3 of 5 stars

A sequel to Pride and Prejudice told from Georgiana Darcy's point of view. Her time at Pemberley, in London and her loves. Can she like her brother find happiness, with or without marriage.
An enjoyable story.

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The Assassin of Verona by Benet Brandreth
My rating: 2 of 5 stars

1585 and English spies William Shakespeare, Oldcastle and Hemminges are in Venice. While Oldcastle and Hemminges want to return to England, Shakespeare wishes to stay with his lover Isabella Lisarro. This is only the beginning of their problems.
Unfortunately this book might read better if The Spy in Venice had been read but I haven't read the first in the series. But I didn't like the writing style, and became annoyed with the quotes of Shakespeare's plays starting or ending the short chapters. I also didn't care much for any of the characters.
A NetGalley Book

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All the Wrong Places by Lisa Lieberman
My rating: 2 of 5 stars

The film industry in post war London and Sicily as told by Cara Walden, a young actress. Didn't really find it an interesting read, the story or the characters.
A NetGalley Book

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Kitty Bennet's Despair by Wendy Soliman
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

Time again for the Darcys to have a house party with all their family. There is Georgiana’s engagement to Dominic Sanford to celebrate but what of the newly promoted Major Richard Turner and his relationship with Kitty Bennet. What could go wrong.
An enjoyable story with the familiar characters.

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The Longbourn Letters: The Correspondence between Mr Collins & Mr Bennet by Rose Servitova
My rating: 3 of 5 stars

After the end of Prode and Prejudice Mr Bennet and the Rev. Collins enjoy an exchange of letters that only ends on the death of Bennet.
An enjoyable series of letters.

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The Last Adventure of the Scarlet Pimpernel by Jack Caldwell
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

Captain Frederick Tilney, a rake and heir to Northanger Abbey has no wish to change. But when he meets Violet Blakeney, daughter of the Scarlet Pimpernel, and when his close friend Colonel Sir John Buford, tells him to take responsibility for his poor reputation, he wonders can he change.
When the Blakeney family is put in danger by a scheming French government official can Tilney redeem himself.
A very enjoyable romp, a mixture of action and romance with some interesting chracters.

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The Good Knight by Sarah Woodbury
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

In the year 1143 King Owain intends to marry his daughter Elen to King Anarawd. Unfortunately Anarawd is killed on the way to the wedding. So Hywel, son of Owain sends Sir Gareth, and his spy Gwen, to seek the truth.
An enjoyable mystery, and I look forward to reading more of their exploits.

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Death Comes to London by Catherine Lloyd
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

A year later in March 1817 Lucy Harrington and her sister Anna leave Kurland St. Mary to have a season in town. Both looking for husbands.
Not long after Major Robert Kurland is summoned to London to accept a baronetcy for his war deeds.
When the grandmother of a Major's friend - the dowager Countess of Broughton - dies, Lucy and the Major begin their own investigation, but can they prevent more deaths.
Really liking the characters and enjoyed re-reading this second in the series and look forward to the next.

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The Lion's Courtship by Annelie Wendeberg
My rating: 3 of 5 stars

1885 and Anna Kronberg is a nurse when Garret O'Hare forces his when into her lodging suffering from a gunshot wound. In this prequel to the series we read about the relationship of Anna and Garret, intermixed with a sadist who likes to cut prostitutes.
A depressing portrayal of Victorican London but still a good read.


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Charlotte: A Pride and Prejudice Tale by Linda Phelps
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

The life of Charlotte Collins nee Lucas of Pride and Prejudice. With a preface that covers her life before the start of the book.
I really enjoyed this well-written, easy writing style tale, and to read about Charlotte's thoughts concerning her life and aims.

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Murder at the Brightwell by Ashley Weaver
My rating: 3 of 5 stars

Amory Ames is asked by her former fiancé, Gil Trent, to accompany him to the Brightwell Hotel and talk to his sister, Emmeline, concerning the man she is marrying. Gil is convinced that there is something wrong with him and his attentions to his sister. But it is not long before a body is found, is it an accident or murder. Amory investigates.
An enjoyable easily read mystery.

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Henry: To Prove Himself Worthy: A Mansfield Park Continuation, Episode 1 by Leenie Brown
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

Henry Crawford late of Mansfield Park wishes to reform and marry. But can a rake every reform.
An enjoyable story, well-written with the introduction of new characters.
Received book as a gift from the author.

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Death Comes to the Village by Catherine Lloyd
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

A re-read of the book so that I can eventually read the fourth in the series. Second and third books to go.
In this first of a new (for me) Regency series we meet Miss Lucy Harrington, eldest daughter of the village's vicar, and childhood friend of a badly injured Major Robert Kurland.
The Major after seeing a shadowy figure late one night confides this in Miss Harrington. Leading to the investigation of two missing girls and the apparent theft of small objects from various homes.
Enjoyed reading about the characters and look forward to reading the next in the series.

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The Lost Letter: A Victorian Romance by Mimi Matthews
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

Due to her father's debts and death Sylvia Stafford, a daughter of a viscount, is now working as a governess in Cheapside. Colonel Sebastian Conrad after her tour of duty in India is no longer the dashing officer that Sylvia fell in love with, but fate has kept them apart. Until Lady Julia Harker, Sebastian's sister decides that she must do something to help her brother.
A well-written romantic story, with very believable characters. A very enjoyable and satisfying read.
A NetGalley Book

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The King's Hounds by Martin Jensen
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

In the time of King Cnut he instructs an illuminator, Winston, and a landless nobleman,Halfdan, to find out the murderer of a Saxon thane, named Osfrid.
An interesting mystery which kept my interest enough to read the next in the series to see how the characters develop.

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Death at the Seaside by Frances Brody
My rating: 3 of 5 stars

As August is a quiet month as far as business is concerned Kate Shacklteon decides to go on holiday to Whitby, unfortunately for her it doesn't take long before she comes across a body and her holiday turns into a spot of investigating.
An enjoyable easily read mystery with some well-drawn characters set in the 1920's.
A NetGalley Book.

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A Dangerous Language by Sulari Gentill
My rating: 2 of 5 stars

In this eighth of the series Rowland is approached by a member of the Communist Party to observe the Federal parliament in Canberra and replace the current man, Kelly. Although refusing, his friend the communist Milton Isaacs does not, and all four friends journey to Canberra where Kelly is found murdered.
For me too much politics which made the story is quite a large part boring, and certainly not enough of any mystery. A pity as I do find the characters an interesting bunch.
A NetGalley Book

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Sensing Danger by Wendy Vella
My rating: 3 of 5 stars

In protecting the Raven family over the years, the Sinclairs have acquired various heightened senses to help them in their quest.
Now James Raven is the latest Duke, and once again a Sinclair saves his life. But who is it that wants him dead.
A story that kept my interest with some likeable characters which I shall probably read about in the next book.


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Falstaff's Murder: A Mystery of Shakespeare by Leonard Tourney
My rating: 2 of 5 stars

In 1599 William Shakspeare gives to Queen Elizabeth his account of the realife Sir John Falstaff. A gentleman he met when he was just 19 years old and travelling from Strafford to London to make a name for himself.
Didn't really find the story that compelling or the characters. Possible 2.5 stars.


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Lady Molly of Scotland Yard by Emmuska Orczy
My rating: 3 of 5 stars

In this collection of short stories Lady Molly mainly uses women's intuition to solve the crimes that Scotland Yard have failed at. As told by her maid and friend Mary Granard
Enjoyed these stories, in particular the last in the book.

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Her Dark Path by Ken Ogilvie
My rating: 2 of 5 stars

Acting Dectective Constable Rebecca Bradley manages to get herselfin charge of investigating a cold case concerning the disappearance and then death of a female in the town of Conroy.
Although I did finish the book, unfortunately I didn't really care or like any of the characters, or the style of writing.
I received an Advanced Reader Copy

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In Milady's Chamber by Sheri Cobb South
My rating: 3 of 5 stars

It's 1800s and Bow Street Runner, John Pickett is called in when a body is discovered at the home of Viscount Fieldhurst, by Lady Fieldhurst and her soon to be lover Lord Rupert Latham. It seems that there are plenty of suspects for Pickett to clear or not.
A good start to the series, I look forward to see how the characters develop.

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The Circular Staircase by Mary Roberts Rinehart
My rating: 3 of 5 stars

Wealthy Miss Rachel Innes rents a house for the summer in the country to spend time with her niece and nephew, Gertrude and Halsey. But strange occurrences start happening on the first night resulting in a death.
A slow paced and interesting mystery first published in 1908.

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The Golden Spider by Anne Renwick
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

1884, and Lady Amanda Ravensdale is enrolled at medical school and working on a clockwork spider that can spin artificial nerves which she hopes can repair the damage down to her brother's legs. Sebastian Talbot, Fifth Earl of Thornton and lecturer and researcher in neurobiology is impressed with her work.
Mix the steampunk elements with romance, secret agents, foreign spies, betrayal and it makes for an enjoyable read.


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A Matter of Glass by Sylvia Prince


How much trouble could University of Padua student Paolo Serravalle suffer when he is sent to pick up a package in Venice by Galileo - it would seem quite a lot.
A quick read but I didn't find the characters interesting or the story compelling.


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